<論文>トレンティーノの聖ニコラウス像とペストの流行 --14世紀から17世紀におけるイタリアの事例を中心に

Abstract

This thesis aims to reveal the relation between the cult of St. Nicholas of Tolentino and the plague from 14thcentury to 17th century in Italy. Nicholas of Tolentino played an important role in the infancy of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine and was the first friar to be canonized in the order. The cult was not only limited to the region of Marche in central-Italy where the order had been founded, but expanded also in northern Italy especially with the patronage of the Duchess of Milan, Bianca Maria Visconti. Since Nicholas had traditionally been known as a patron saint of injured and sick people, he was considered as possessing protective power against the plague. A painting made in the mid-15thcentury in Pisa, representative of this function, greatly influenced other paintings in successive centuries. Although the cult witnessed a decline in the 16thcentury, the Miracle of Cordova which occurred in the city of Spain in 1602 revived it. According to the books published following the Miracle, "Blessed breads of St. Nicholas" had cured many patients suffering from plague. Despite the fact that there were no signs of plague during the life of the Saint, he corresponded to the social demand and became an intercessor between God and the people for putting an end to the epidemic.